Giant removes Talenti gelato from shelves

Giant Food has removed Talenti chocolate peanut butter cup gelato from its shelves after the manufacturer recalled the product, citing the possibility of salmonella contamination in the peanut butter.

Giant said Monday the recall includes all sell-by dates for the gelato, UPC 18685200094, 16 ounces.

The Landover-based grocer, the largest supermarket chain in the Baltimore area, said it has received no reports of illnesses associated with the product. Customers who bought the gelato should throw it away and bring a receipt to Giant for a refund.

The chocolate peanut butter flavored gelato was distributed to stores in the U.S., including Giant, between September 2011 and September, according to Talenti. The manufacturer said no illnesses have been linked to the chocolate peanut butter cup gelato and the recall does not include any other flavors.

Food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial foodbourne illness. The infection can be life-threatening, especially to infants, the elderly, those with HIV infection or patients undergoing chemotherapy. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight to 72 hours. Other symptoms can include chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

The Talenti recall follows recalls earlier this month of peanut butter at Trader Joe's grocery stores and of other nut products at other grocers in Maryland.

Last week, The Sun reported a recall of some nut butters and nut products sold at Whole Foods Market, Target, Safeway, Harry and David, Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. and Giant Food. Some of those chains used ingredients supplied by Sunland Inc., of New Mexico, in products they prepared and packaged themselves.

Sunland had recalled products under multiple brand names in September, The Sun reported, after salmonella illnesses were linked to Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, a Sunland brand. UPDATE: Sunland also supplied the peanut butter used in the gelato.